I Compared Face ID, Fingerprint, and PIN for Mobile Banking—Here’s What Gave Me Peace of Mind

I’m someone who does almost everything through my phone—budgeting, investing, paying bills, splitting brunch, all of it. But the more I relied on mobile banking, the more I started to wonder: how safe is the way I’m logging in?

Like most people, I started with a simple PIN. Then I moved to fingerprint recognition. Now I toggle between Face ID and biometrics depending on the app, the day, and whether or not I’ve just moisturized my hands (yes, that matters). But here’s the thing—I’d never actually compared these login methods with real scrutiny.

So I did. I decided to test and compare Face ID, fingerprint scanning, and good old-fashioned PIN codes to see which one gave me the best mix of security and ease, and which actually made me feel the most in control of my money.

Spoiler: One option gave me the highest level of confidence, but it’s not as clear-cut as you'd think.

Why This Even Matters

Before we go into the juicy stuff, let’s answer the obvious: Why care? Isn’t any secure login better than none?

Sure. But mobile banking is an increasingly high-stakes environment. A recent national survey by Morning Consult for the American Bankers Association shows that more people are turning to digital banking than ever. In fact, 55% of bank customers say using an app on their phone or other device is now their go-to way to manage their accounts. But with that convenience comes risk—mobile banking fraud is also on the rise. Hackers aren’t just targeting banks anymore—they’re going after the way you log in.

Your login method is your first line of defense.

But each one comes with trade-offs—some convenience-based, others security-based. I wanted to dig deeper into what each one actually does (and doesn’t) protect you from, and how much you can trust your own device to do the heavy lifting.

What I Compared: The Three Common Login Types

Here’s what I tested over several weeks—rotating them across two mobile banking apps (Ally and Chase), my budgeting app, and one fintech app I use for investing:

1. PIN Codes (Numeric passcodes, usually 4–6 digits)
2. Fingerprint Authentication (Touch ID or biometric fingerprint scanning)
3. Facial Recognition (Face ID for iPhones, facial unlock for Android)

Let’s break down the strengths and limitations of each.

PIN Codes: Old-School Security That Still Works (If You Work With It)

What I Noticed: Logging in with a PIN felt the most manual, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. I had to consciously type it every time, which gave me a moment to remember I was logging into my bank—not just unlocking a feed.

Security Highlights:

• PINs don’t rely on external sensors, which means they can't be spoofed using images or fake fingerprints.
• Most banking apps now require 6-digit PINs, which are exponentially harder to crack than the old 4-digit standard.

But—and it’s a big one—PIN security is only as good as the number you choose. If you use your birthday, address, or the dreaded “123456,” then yes, your PIN is a weak point.

Another downside? Shoulder surfing. Anyone peeking over your shoulder at a café could catch it. It also leaves no real barrier if someone steals your unlocked phone.

Verdict: PINs are dependable if you treat them seriously. But they’re vulnerable to human error (and lazy passwords). For quick access with a solid fallback plan, I’d keep this as a backup—not your first line.

Fingerprint: Convenient, But Not Foolproof

What I Noticed: I loved using my fingerprint for speed. It felt natural, fast, and secure. No typing, no memorizing. Just tap, and I’m in.

Security Highlights:

• Fingerprints are unique to you, and scanners now use capacitive sensing to ensure it’s a real finger—not a print image.
• They’re faster than typing, and they reduce the risk of someone seeing your login in public.
• Some devices store biometric data in a Secure Enclave, meaning even the OS can’t access it—just the hardware needed to authenticate you.

Sounds ideal, right?

But here’s the catch: Fingerprint sensors can degrade over time (especially if you’re cooking, weightlifting, or moisturizing like me). Mine failed more often than I expected when my hands were wet or dirty.

Also, fingerprint data can’t be changed like a password. If it’s ever compromised (yes, biometric breaches happen, even if rarely), you can’t just get a new fingerprint. You’re stuck.

Verdict: Fingerprint login is the sweet spot between ease and security—but only on newer devices with high-quality sensors and secure biometric storage. If your fingerprint scanner is flaky or old, be cautious.

Face ID: Surprisingly Secure—With a Few Asterisks

What I Noticed: Face ID felt the most seamless. It works in the dark. It works while multitasking. It worked after a workout. It worked while I was half-asleep checking a transfer. It even worked with glasses—though not always with sunglasses.

Security Highlights:

• Apple’s Face ID uses 3D facial mapping with 30,000 infrared dots—not just a selfie scan.
• That makes it extremely hard to spoof (no, printed photos or twins won’t trick it).
• The data is stored in the Secure Enclave, not sent to the cloud, which means it’s not accessible to other apps or external hacks.

On Android, the quality of facial recognition varies wildly by device. Some still rely on 2D scans, which are significantly less secure and can be fooled with photos or videos.

Another plus: Face ID locks out after several failed attempts and often falls back to your passcode or PIN—building in a natural two-factor barrier.

But there are downsides:

• It didn’t work when I wore a mask (understandably)
• It failed occasionally when lighting was weird
• If someone holds your phone up to your face while you’re asleep, it could unlock. (Though most systems now require eye contact for that reason.)

Verdict: Face ID is very secure—especially on iPhones with 3D mapping. If your phone supports high-level facial biometrics, this is a solid first line of defense. Just know it’s not flawless under every condition.

Apple reports that the chance of someone else unlocking your phone using Face ID is about 1 in 1,000,000.

For fingerprint recognition, the odds drop to about 1 in 50,000. For a 4-digit PIN? There are only 10,000 possible combinations.

So, Which One Gave Me the Most Peace of Mind?

It wasn’t just about security—it was about how I felt while using each one. What gave me the best blend of safety, speed, and sanity?

For me, it was this combo:

• Primary: Face ID (on my iPhone, which uses 3D secure mapping)
• Backup: 6-digit PIN that isn’t tied to any personal info
• Rare use: Fingerprint (only on apps that support multi-biometric login or on my Android tablet)

The real win? I stopped relying on just one method. Instead, I made sure my device security settings were layered:

• Phone unlock requires biometric login
• Banking app requires Face ID and re-authentication after inactivity
• I use bank alerts so I know when money moves—regardless of login method
• And yes, I still log out manually sometimes, just to be safe

Pocket Insights

• Use a biometric login (Face ID or fingerprint) paired with a secure PIN for layered protection.
• Avoid facial recognition unless your device uses 3D mapping—most older Android devices don’t, and that matters.
• Change your PIN from time to time—and never use common combos like your birthday or “0000.”
• Make sure your app or device has a lockout feature after multiple failed logins (most reputable apps do).
• Enable transaction alerts or notifications so you know what’s happening in real time, even if someone does gain access.

They Aren’t Just Login Methods—They’re Gatekeepers

Choosing how you log into your mobile banking app isn't a minor decision. It's the front door to your financial life—and like any front door, it should be solid, smart, and a little bit stubborn.

Biometric tech has come a long way. And when used with intention, it can give you a powerful combination of security and convenience. But there’s no magic setting. It’s not about picking one tool and calling it a day—it’s about understanding what each method does well, where it falls short, and how to stack your choices for real peace of mind.

In a world where your phone is your wallet, your bank, and your ID, it’s worth getting this right. The goal isn’t to live in fear—it’s to live with confidence.

And that starts with one secure login at a time.